My Former Self Read Free Page B

on Fridays because it is always busier. Friday is our filing and inventory day when Dr. Roerke wants everything updated. Other than Fridays, Patrick works when I can’t or when Dr. Roerke needs another body in the office. Patrick, too, looks rough this morning. Actually, he looks as if he’s still drunk.
    “Good morning, Tonya. Nice to see you, Cindy. How are you today?” Dr. Roerke seemingly asks the question to both of us, but I get the feeling he really only cares if Cindy responds.
    “Hi, Tom,” Cindy says with a smile. “I’m a little tired after going out last night. Patrick is sure a lot of fun. We went to the new martini bar, Stages. I had no idea you were such a handyman!”
    “Did you now?” I don’t think he knew that his son went out last night.
    “Yeah, it’s a nice place,” Patrick says without looking at his dad.
    “So, how late did you guys stay out, and what on earth did my son tell you about me?” I actually think Dr. Roerke is jealous.
    “Not much,” Patrick lies.
    And as though to break the awkward silence, Deb walks in. “Good morning, all! How is everyone today?”
    “Good, thanks,” I say. “Did you have a good time last night?”
    “Oh, my God, I am getting too old to go out. I was exhausted this morning. Kyle was up at five thirty, and I swore at that point that I would never go out again. But it is a beautiful new bar. Tonya, you should have come. You don’t have any three-year-olds to wake you up!”
    “You’re right. I don’t know how you do it. I was tired this morning and I stayed home last night.”
    Everybody starts to get ready for the day, as the office opens in five minutes. My coffee is done, and I am not feeling any more awake than I was an hour ago. This is not good.

    It’s funny to hear everyone complain about the rain outside. I have always loved it. There is something calming about it that I can’t quite explain. I remember when we were kids and at our cottage, we loved swimming in the rain. We thought ourselves so fortunate that is was teaming down on us while we were in the water. We’d have diving and jumping competitions while Dad would be the judge. He often took pity on Sandy, declaring her the winner of most rounds. Whenever we finished—or if the lightning ended our game—we’d head back into the cottage and play board games. I still think of those times; maybe that’s why I am fond of the rain.
    Normally I’d go out for a walk during my lunch break, but today the weather has forced me to stay indoors. In addition to that, we’ve had a few cancellations, making this morning crawl by. I decide to go and sit with Cindy and Deb in the staff room. I walk in on their conversation, which appears rather private.
    “I tried that. I swear he’d rather just watch TV,” Deb complains. “I mean, he doesn’t come right out and say it, but I can tell.”
    “Maybe you should try a little role playing—guys love that stuff!” Cindy offers her advice.
    “I don’t think Bud would go for that. I think we just need a vacation without the kids. I don’t remember the last time we went somewhere that didn’t have a kid meal option! Oh hey, Ton,” Deb acknowledges me. “Anyway, I am sure it’s normal.”
    “I’m sure it is too, and when your kids get a little older, you’ll probably just pick up where you left off.”
    “Pick up what?” Dr. Roerke has now entered the staff room and is getting in on the conversation.
    “Deb here is worried that Bud is losing interest in her—you know—sexually. I told her she needs to just spice things up a bit; that’s what I’d do,” Cindy explains. “Tom, you’ve been married for a long time—how do you keep things
interesting
?” As she says the word, she raised her eyebrows.
    “Oh I don’t know. I’d like to hear more about your suggestions,” he says with a smile.
    Even though I am not in the conversation, I feel uncomfortable. I’ll finish my yogurt as quickly as possible and get out of here.